August - September 2001

Salutes

After 40 years in the West Coast shipping industry, including more
than 20 years with Matson Navigation Company, Raymond J. Donohue, Matson
senior vice president and chief financial officer, retired at the end
of June. Succeeding Donohue in Matson's top financial post is Matthew
J. Cox. Cox most recently was executive vice president and chief operating
officer of Distribution Dynamics, Inc. He has 15 years of experience
in the transportation industry, 12 of which were spent at American President
Lines, Ltd.

Also at Matson, Josephine Kaneshiro has joined Matson Logistics Solutions
in Honolulu as a senior account executive for the company's new air
freight service. Her primary responsibility will be to develop and support
Matson's air freight customer base. Kaneshiro has more than 30 years
of experience as an account executive in the air freight transportation
industry.

Julia M. Morgan has joined the Law Office of Bryan Y.Y. Ho. Morgan,
formerly an associate with Carlsmith Ball's admiralty group, began practicing
admiralty law on the Mississippi River in St. Louis, Missouri. She joins
Bryan Y.Y. Ho and Donald E. Fisher, specializing in all aspects of admiralty
and maritime law.

State DOT-Harbors Administrator Thomas Fujikawa retires from the department
on August 15. He first joined the agency in 1964 and was appointed administrator
in 1995. Glenn Okimoto, DOT deputy director since 1994, has been named
acting chief. In addition to his new responsibilities, Okimoto oversees
DOT's Administration Division and has program-wide responsibilities
for the Airports, Highways and Harbors divisions.

News Briefs

CSX Lines named carrier of the year

CSX Lines was named "Jones Act Trade" Carrier of the Year
by Wal-Mart Stores, the world's largest retailer.
Selection criteria for the award included information technology innovations,
on-time pick up and delivery performance, proactive customer service
and communications, competitive pricing, equipment and vessel capacity,
and ease of doing business. CSX Lines' Web portal capabilities and e-commerce
strategy were highlighted as key components of the award.

Matson Services sells harbor tugs to HTB

Matson Navigation Company sold the assets of its subsidiary, Matson
Services Company, Inc., to Hawaiian Tug & Barge on July 19. The
primary components of the sale are the company's two tugs, Joe Sevier
and Maoi, which provide harbor assistance at Kahului and Hilo harbors,
respectively.

Matson Services was established in 1969 to improve docking services
for Matson vessels at Neighbor Island ports. Since that time, Neighbor
Island port operations have developed significantly. "Matson's
entry into the tug business over 30 years ago was designed specifically
to fill a need for better harbor assistance services for the Neighbor
Islands," said Bal Dreyfus, Matson vice president, area manager,
Hawaii and Guam. "Today, the tug business is no longer a strategic
fit for Matson. HTB is well suited to acquire these assets."

Glenn Hong, president of HTB said, "The company will be stationing
a state-of-the-art tractor tug at Nawiliwili Harbor by year-end. With
the acquisition of these two tugs from Matson Services, HTB will have
tugs stationed on all major islands in Hawaii."

Summer "reunion" for maritime academy students

The U.S. Coast Guard and the Mayor's Maritime Advisory Committee, at
the suggestion of Councilmember Rene Mansho, sponsored the first maritime
academies summer reunion on July 18, bringing together Merchant Marine
Academy midshipmen, U.S. Coast Guard Academy cadets and members of the
Hawaii maritime community at the Coast Guard's Club 14 on Sand Island.

Cadets and midshipmen had an opportunity to share their interests and
questions about training and interning opportunities with maritime business
people while collecting business cards. Representatives from the U.S.
Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, American Hawaii Cruises, CSX Lines, Hawaii Pilots
Association, Hawaiian Tug & Barge, Hawaii Stevedores and McCabe
Hamilton Renny made presentations about career and employment opportunities
in Hawaii.

According to Councilmember Mansho, maritime employers have committed
to continuing this reunion event to "encourage our youth to stay
in school, graduate with a degree, and return home to work in Hawaii."

A winter reunion is planned for December. Cadets, midshipmen and businesses
interested in participating may call Rene Mansho at (808)753-2220 or
email her at rmansho@aloha.com.

NOAA to Update Hawaii Region Chart and Pubs

by Capt. Ed Enos

The Office of Coast Survey, a branch of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), is poised to launch a project that will update
charts and publications affecting the major Hawaiian Islands. Commander
Gerry Wheaton, the West Coast regional manager for the Office of Coast
Survey, is leading this effort from his office in Monterey Bay, California.
Commander Wheaton is scheduled to give a brief presentation at the August
9th general membership meeting of HOST, at 1400 at Club 14, USCG Base,
and Sand Island. The Office of Coast Survey will contract the services
of a local representative for this project, who will be the liaison
between local users of charts and pubs here in Hawaii and Cmdr. Wheaton's
office in Monterey.
All mariners in Hawaii are being encouraged to provide any information
they may have to update charts and publications that specifically apply
to the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui and the Big Island. Submitted
information may include any additions, deletions, or other corrections
that should be applied to nautical charts and the US Coast Pilot.
The Office of Coast Survey wants to hear from all users including commercial,
recreational and government service groups. Information from shore based
recreational and professional associations, US military and service
organizations, city and county departments, yacht clubs, and State of
Hawaii agencies will be accepted. Individual mariners also are encouraged
to submit information that will support this project.
Submitted information should be sent to:

Please include your name or company/department name, and a phone number,
fax number, or email address so that you can be contacted to respond
to any questions they may have on your submitted information. Verification
may be required by NOAA/OCS if the information provided results in a
significant correction.

Santa Maria Shipping Plans Hawaii Container Service

A new carrier plans to launch a West Coast-Hawaii container service
within the next two years, adding a new competitor to a market dominated
by CSX Lines and Matson Navigation Company.

California-based Santa Maria Shipping LLC announced at a July press
conference that it has signed a contract with Bender Shipbuilding and
Repair Co. (Mobile, Ala.) to build two state-of-the-art container ships
to provide direct weekly service from the West Coast to Oahu and Maui.
This is the first order for a U.S.-built container ship in a decade,
and the vessels could be in service within 18 months, according to company
President Stas Margaronis. The cost of the ships was not disclosed,
but the company said that they would be built at "cost competitive
pricing" using innovative technology from Bender and European vendors.

"We are committed to providing Hawaii shippers the best service
at competitive prices," Margaronis said. The company will provide
direct service to Kalaeloa/Barbers Point Harbor and Kahului, Maui, from
a Los Angeles area port still to be determined.

The building contract is contingent on securing financing through the
federal government's Title XI Maritime Guarantee Loan Subsidy program,
which provides long-term financing at favorable terms for up to 87.5%
of the building cost. Santa Maria was expected to apply for the Title
XI loan in August.

Designed by a team of maritime specialists from seven countries, the
two 8,500 GT container ships each will be capable of carrying 355

45-foot containers, including 30 refrigerated containers. They will
be automated and feature medium-speed diesel engines that are fuel-efficient.
Hydrodynamic hulls will further reduce fuel consumption.
Santa Maria will be the first carrier to provide direct container service
to Kalaeloa/Barbers Point Harbor, which primarily handles bulk cargo.
While the new vessels will be equipped with deck cranes, Santa Maria
plans to install a shore-side crane at Kalaeloa/Barbers Point Harbor
to support its container-handling operations.

The company predicts that container service will have an impact on economic
development in the Kapolei area while reducing traffic congestion between
Honolulu and West Oahu, since container cargo destined for West Oahu
warehouses currently must be trucked from Honolulu Harbor.

"Maui gives us a second market - a niche market," Margaronis
said.

Since Santa Maria's ships are not as big as those of its competitors,
Margaronis predicts his company will be able to capture 5 to 6 percent
of the market. The company says it can save a customer shipping one
weekly westbound 40-foot container about $40,000 a year.

Matson spokesperson Jeff Hull told the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, "These
are small ships, about half the size of ours, and Santa Maria's one
trip a week should not cut much into Matson's four a week." He
cited Matson's well-established customer service, intermodal service
and online shipment monitoring as some of the company's advantages.

Brian Taylor, CSX Lines' vice president and general manager, Hawaii/Guam,
said his company welcomes the challenge of a new competitor and will
"obviously compete vigorously." However, he questioned the
value of adding more capacity to the Hawaii trade.

"We're already in a market that is over capacity," Taylor
said. "Volumes are not as strong as in the past, and there are
more vessels today than there is cargo to carry."

While both CSX and Matson increased their Hawaii service capacity last
year (Matson added two vessels to its Hawaii fleet, bringing it to eight;
CSX replaced two vessels with larger ones and added a fortnightly service
from Southern California), the two companies recently signed a contract
for Matson to carry CSX' Honolulu-bound freight from Los Angeles on
the off weeks that CSX doesn't sail from Long Beach. Taylor said that
putting Matson and CSX cargo on one vessel will better utilize the extra
capacity.

Making room for the newcomer

Kalaeloa/Barbers Point Harbor has substantial underutilized yard space
to accommodate Santa Maria's container operations. The company and the
Department of Transportation are looking at Pier 5 for the new terminal
facilities, according to Harbor Agent Allen Sandry. He says current
users like Tesoro, who bring in barges almost every day to load fuel
from their refinery, will have to adjust schedules. Though Pier 6 is
big enough to handle a container ship, existing bulk cargo handling
equipment at the pier would make it difficult for container operations.

At Kahului Harbor, Harbors District Manager Scott Cunningham says Santa
Maria most likely will share space at Pier 1 with cruise ships, Matson's
crane barges and bulk carriers. He says the department is still waiting
for further information about the new vessels' draft. If it is less
than about 23 feet, Pier 2 might be another option for off-loading.

Cunningham says the main effort will be how to divide up the yard space
between Matson, CSX and Young Brothers. There is multi-use space available,
he says, including a large auto yard that is available most of the time
for container backup space.

Hawaii Commercial Harbor Construction Update

$100 milion slated for maintenance and improvements

The state Department of Transportation, Harbors Division plans to spend
over $100 million on improvements to the Islands' commercial harbor
system in the next few years. This construction update summarizes the
major projects that are currently under construction orin the design
phase.

OAHU

Honolulu Harbor:

PIER 51C TO 53 CONTAINER YARD STRENGTHENING
Matson Terminals commenced in January with a $31.5 million terminal
improvement project converting the terminal from a straddle carrier
operation to a partial wheeled operation.

The Harbors Division will institute phase 2 to follow up on Matson's
work. The work done by DOT Harbors will involve strengthening the
pavement on approximately 30 acres in the top pick areas. Additional
work will involve replacing light poles, waterlines and fire hydrants
for approximately 54 acres of the container yard. The project also
includes pavement striping and utility adjustments.

FERRY TERMINAL AT PIER 19
This project involves the demolition of a portion of the Pier 19 shed
and restrooms and the construction of a new ferry terminal for passengers
within the footprint of the existing pier shed.

The terminal, which will be primarily used as a ferry terminal but
can also be used as a cruise ship terminal or multiuse facility, is
capable of future expansion as additional space requirements arise.
The terminal will include areas for ticketing, office space, restrooms,
passenger waiting areas and baggage handling areas, as well as utility
rooms and will cover approximately 16,800 square feet. Utilities will
be installed including water, drainage, fire, electricity, and telephone
systems. Other site improvements include parking lot striping and
regulatory signage.

PIER 2 CRUISE SHIP TERMINAL
This project involves construction of a 52,000 square foot full service
cruise ship terminal and multiuse facility to accommodate increased
cruise ship demand. It will be capable of accommodating one large
(over 3,500 passengers) or two smaller cruise ships. Removable partitions
will divide the terminal into two smaller terminals when two ships
visit. Work includes construction of an interior terminal within the
existing pier shed, a second level concourse with gangways, ticket
counters, office spaces, customs area, and restrooms. New utilities
will be installed including sewer drainage, water, fire, electricity,
and telephone systems. Also, included in the design are baggage areas,
storage spaces, roadway parking lots and staging area improvements.

DOMESTIC COMMERCIAL FISHING VILLAGE
Demolition and construction of much of the pier and shore side improvements
have been completed. The remaining work involves the construction
of a multi-user building and smaller buildings.

DEMOLITION OF STORAGE TANKS NEAR PIER 19
Demolition of three bulk storage tanks used for molasses and aqua-ammonia.
Work also includes the removal of pump house and piping systems.
Status: In progress

Cost: $400,000
Estimated completion: June 2002

Kalaeloa/Barbers Point Harbor:

PIER 7 CONSTRUCTION
Construction of a new 800-foot pier and apron, with utilities and
small backup yard.
Status: Under construction
Cost: $16,500,000
Estimated completion: May 2002

MAUI

Kahului Harbor:
PIER 3 CONTAINER YARD
This project involves reconstruction of portions of the Pier 3 container
yard and the relocation of an existing waterline. The project also
includes the replacement of the Second Street bridge over the county
drainage ditch, which provides access to the newly acquired 8.2 acre
yard on the Puunene side of the harbor. This will permit movement
of containers and container-handling equipment into the newly acquired
area, which were restricted by the load capacity of the existing bridge.
Status: Design phase
Cost: $3,000,000
Estimated completion: March 2003

PIER 1C EXTENSION
The pier will be extended approximately 300 feet to facilitate the
operation of cargo handling equipment and to accommodate multiple
cruise ships.
Status: Under construction
Cost: $8,600,000
Estimated completion: December 2002

BIG ISLAND
HILO HARBOR:
PIER 1 SHED MODIFICATIONS
The existing shed roof and siding will be replaced. As it involves
asbestos-bearing materials, containment and disposal processes will
be of primary concern. This project also involves removal of lead-based
paint and other materials. There will also be some minimal safety
and compliance improvements within the shed to enhance cargo and passenger
safety.
Status: Design phase
Cost: $3,500,000
Estimated completion: June 2003

PIER 3 BREASTING DOLPHINS AND CATWALKS
Pier 3 will be extended with breasting dolphins and connecting catwalks
to enable the berthing of ships up to 850 feet in length. This will
enable Hilo Harbor to accommodate two large cruise ships concurrently.
Additional bollards, lighting and fendering systems are also included,
as is a harbor modeling study to determine impacts to the turning
basin.
Status: Design phase
Cost: $3,000,000
Estimated completion: March 2003

PAVE FORMER MOLASSES TANK AREA
Approximately 6.4 acres will be graded and paved using an advanced
type of stone matrix asphalt being used for the first time by DOT
Harbors.
Status: Under construction
Cost: $1,200,000
Estimated completion: October 2001

DEMOLITION OF SUGAR
STORAGE FACILITIES
The existing sugar silos together with appurtenances and the sugar
transfer conveyor system will be demolished and removed.
Status: In progress
Cost: $2,000,000
Estimated completion: June 2002

KAUAI
NAWILIWILI HARBOR:
PIER 2 EXTENSION
The Pier 2 berthing area will be extended by 600 feet through the
use of pier extensions, breasting/mooring dolphins, catwalks and shore
side bollards. These will be installed at Piers 1 and 2 to accommodate
additional cruise ship vessel berthing and demolition of an existing
concrete lay berth. The berth area will be dredged to accommodate
cruise ship drafts.
This project also includes the expansion of the Pier 2 comfort station,
expansion of phone banks for Piers 1 and 2, and associated site work
including paving and utility improvements such as water, drainage,
electrical, and lighting.
Status: Design phase
Cost: $5,000,000
Estimated completion: April 2003

ALL HARBORS:

INSTALLATION OF BULL RAILS
Bull rails will be installed around all piers statewide in accordance
with an agreement made between the Department of Transportation-Harbors
Division and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of
the federal government. The project involves the installation of fixed
and movable bull rails at Honolulu, Kaunakakai, Hilo, Kawaihae, Nawiliwili,
and Port Allen harbors. Some work has been completed under the harbor
maintenance budget.
Status: Design phase
Cost: $1,600,000
Estimated completion: October 2002

Scientists Help Vessel Operators to
Steer Clear of Whales

by Liza Simon

A metaphor for the fury of nature in Herman Melville's Moby Dick, a
collision with a whale - known in seafaring language as a whale strike
- has got to be on any mariner's short list of primal fears. "It
would be catastrophic for the whale, the boat and the people on board,"
says Reg White, vice president of operations at Paradise Cruise, Ltd.
Steering clear of humpback whale pods in Hawaiian waters was a task
that fell to White as a skipper for Sea-Flight, a hydrofoil ferry service
that operated between the islands during the
early 1970s.

Back then, concern over whale strikes was enough to prompt community
help. According to White, volunteers from the Maui-based Cetacean Society
manned hillside observation posts, relaying information to ships out
at sea on the whereabouts of whales via VHF radio. The jerry-rigged
warning system was hardly failsafe, White recalls. He tells a story
about a near-miss he once experienced: Acting on instinct alone, he
made a hard and fast turn only to see two humpbacks breach in what would
have been his vessel's deadly path had he not made the quick move.

Thirty years later, White is glad to see that something more sophisticated
may be in the works to help navigators avoid whale strikes in Hawaiian
waters and elsewhere. White is a member of the advisory council of the
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, which recently
met to discuss ways in which science can pitch in and reduce the potential
for unwanted collisions.

Suggestions that came out of an informal brainstorming session included
sonar detection, satellite tracking of individual whales and the use
of an acoustic signal to deter whales from congregating in a vessel's
path. Sanctuary Advisory Council members include marine scientists,
conservationists, marine science educators, marine tour operators, shipping
company representatives and government officials - all of whom share
a stake in protecting the humpback habitat in Hawaiian waters.

Seeking solutions

"The issue of whale strikes is one area where applied research
can be used to solve a very practical problem and come up with answers
that might be helpful," said Dr. Paul Nachtigall, a University
of Hawaii marine mammal scientist and the chairperson of the research
committee for the Sanctuary Advisory Council.

Nachtigall noted that many of the approaches suggested by council members
are already under study. Some are also being developed with the support
of the military or maritime industry sectors, where the problem of whale
strikes is viewed as requiring some hightech attention.

While the incidence of whale strikes remains rare, research on whales
has fueled concern that even an occasional boat collision could adversely
impact the survival of an entire species.

Hawaii whale researcher Joe Mobley said much concern centers on the
Northern right whale. Only about 300 such whales remain in the mid-Atlantic.
The loss of one animal could seriously impair the species' chances for
long-term survival, Mobley noted. Because the Navy continues to conduct
operations within the species' Atlantic habitat, Mobley says military
officials are currently working on developing new whale-avoidance technology.
Mobley said one proposal under consideration would involve the use of
Doppler Radar, which could be used to detect whales from a distance
of four to five kilometers, enabling vessels enough time to slow down
or change course to avoid a collision.

Whale-strike risk grows with rising humpback population

Many see an urgent need for such technology in Hawaiian waters where
steadily increasing numbers of humpback whales raise the statistical
probability of whale-strikes. Scientists believe that the humpback population
in Hawaii is growing at an annual rate of approximately seven percent
- a trend that is expected to continue, barring any cataclysmic event
affecting humpbacks or their habitat.

Solution-seeking to the whale strike problem in Hawaii is also being
spurred by the possibility that high-speed ferries may soon begin regular
operations in isle waters.

The state of Hawaii recently supported an 18-month demonstration ferry
project between Honolulu Harbor and Barbers Point on Oahu. Plans for
other commercial ferry services are reportedly in the works for Maui
and the Big Island. The aim is to alleviate road traffic woes by making
better use of island waterways, though many familiar with the natural
residents of those same waterways are urging that the potential for
whale strikes be taken seriously.

Eric Schiff of Pacific Marine Supply, the company contracted by the
state to run the trial ferry service, agrees that a close encounter
with one of Hawaii's charismatic marine mammals could sink a business'
bottom line. "We need to be proactive in lowering the probability
of hitting whales. Hawaii is a very Ôgreen state' where conservationist
sentiment runs high. If we can develop a system (for whale detection
and avoidance), it would be an outstanding feature and a good business
asset," Schiff said.

Along with operating one ferry during morning and afternoon rush hour
periods, Pacific Marine Supply also commissioned Marc Lammers, a marine
researcher at the Hawaii Insititute of Marine Biology, to examine the
interaction of vessels and marine animals along the planned service
route. Lammers' approach was to conduct 29 surveys of the area between
January and June of 2000 in order to determine the patterns of distribution
not only of whales but also of spinner dolphins. The waters in the area
are well known as both a humpback and dolphin hangout. During the whales'
winter breeding season, spouting and breaching whales enliven the horizon,
while spinner dolphins stage their captivating aerial displays. Although
the anecdotes are plentiful, there's been insufficient data to help
those intent on avoiding a whale strike in the vicinity.

Lammers summarized his findings at a recent maritime conference in Honolulu.
Surprisingly, Lammers found in his study that dolphins are inclined
to give rush-hour travelers a break. "The animals forage at night.
So they rest by day with the peak of restful activity occurring between
11 a.m. and 2 p.m."
During this period, Lammers found they knit into tight formations and
often dive deep below the surface - perhaps in a defense mechanism against
predators, he reasons. "When they rest, they turn off their sonar
and navigate visually. By balling into a tight group and swimming close
to the bottom they reduce their chances of an encounter with a predator."

By contrast, Lammers discovered that humpbacks are typically very partial
to shallow depths, whether they're at rest or engaged in activity. In
particular, the animals seem to congregate around the shallow banks
of Barbers Point, waters where plenty of vessels are likely to be found.
Lammers also noted that the colossal creatures swim parallel to the
shoreline, crossing channel entrances, where vessel traffic is heavy.
While avid human fans of whales have posited theories about the animal's
exceptional mental capabilities, Lammers cautions that we should recognize
the risk the humpback behavior pattern poses. "We can't just assume
that they will make way for us, because we are going fast and they seem
to be in our path," he said.
To reduce the chances of running into a whale, Lammers recommends that
ferries stay away from the Barbers Point bank and transit through shallow
areas with extreme caution at less than full throttle. "As the
human population increases and waters are used more for daily transportation
needs, we are likely to see more and more encroachment into the natural
habitat. It's not necessarily a situation that can't be managed
but we need to operate on accurate information so research is very,
very important," Lammers noted.

Shared concern

Many say that the widespread cooperation of many different sectors
focused on the whale strike issue is rare, since it is an issue that
may involve limiting human access to the habitat - an effort that is
often perceived as necessary by conservationists but too constraining
by commercial marine business operators.

According to Reg White, "This is one area where we all share an
interest in saving the resource." White points out that some seminal
research on how to avoid whale collisions was conducted several decades
ago by the Boeing Corporation, the manufacturer of the Sea Flight Jetfoil
929 craft.

Laws prohibit approaching whales by less than one hundred yards. While
authorities report that boaters are generally cooperative in observing
the regulations, a problem lies in the fact that whales "are not
cognizant of the law" and may choose to surface perilously close
to a cargo of humans.

Jim Coon, owner of Trilogy Excursions and a long-time Sanctuary Advisory
Council member, noted that boat operators are highly motivated to steer
clear of the multi-ton creatures. He said operators of whale-watch vessels
often warn each other about the position of whale pods at sea. Coon
maintains that maritime professionals are likely to feel a deep affection
for the creatures that generate the base of their business. In light
of the humpback's popularity, however, he is concerned that if a whale
strike were to occur, the public outcry might lead some to demand that
shipping lanes be shut down in order to mitigate the potential harm
to animals. Eventually, he predicts, the economic consequences of such
a move would be so bad that there would be a backlash against conservation
efforts. Coon is urging the sanctuary to step up its efforts to support
research leading to whale-strike avoidance.

A major key to reducing the chance of unwanted encounters with whales,
many agree, should be to increase our understanding of the animal's
behavior in Hawaiian waters. Those who spend a lot of time on water-
whether it's for science or business - often share the same rich store
of anecdotes indicating the whales seem to have some prescient awareness
of boats in their neighborhood waters. It's been suggested that the
marine animal's acute sense of hearing may enable them to detect oncoming
boats and move away in time to avoid a collision.

"It is really amazing that we don't have more incidents of strikes,"
said White, who added that it would be tragic to simply leave it up
to the whales to avoid us. "We could discover that the presence
of too many vessels had, indeed, bothered the humpbacks enough to (drive
them from their Hawaiian habitat). And by then it would be too late.

Liza Simon is the public outreach coordinator for the Hawaiian Islands
Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.

Progress Report on U.S. Lines New Builds

by Mele Pochereva

Construction on the first of two new passenger ships for American Classic
Voyages' U.S. Lines began in June, 2000. The 1,900-passenger ship, dubbed
"Project America Hull #1," was to begin cruising among the
Hawaiian Islands in early 2003.

At press time, AMCV was unable to say whether construction is on schedule.
However, the Web site for the shipyard, Litton Ingalls Shipbuilding
(www.ingalls.com), said, "By July 21, the first ship is more than
20% complete, with more than 4,500 tons of steel erected on-ship. On
June 1, Ingalls set what is believed to be a company record for shipboard
equipment loadout, when 800 tons of engines, generators, boilers and
associated machinery were installed onto the ship's deck in a single
day."

When completed, the ship will be the largest cruise ship ever built
in a U.S. shipyard, and the first new U.S-built cruise ship in more
than 40 years.

SOUNDINGS

Challenging Career Opportunity for Hawaii's Youth

by Rene Mansho

I discovered that there are nine Hawaii mid-shipmen in training at
the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.
The Academy's mission is to educate and graduate officers and leaders
dedicated to serving the economic and defense interest of our nation
in the armed forces and merchant marine, and who will contribute to
an intermodal transportation system that effectively ties America together.

Tuition and room-and-board are paid by the federal government; students
graduate with bachelor of science degrees, merchant marine license and
Naval Reserve commissions. They can select employment aboard ship, in
the shoreside maritime industry or on active military duty. Highlights
of each midshipman's educational experience are two 6-month training
periods at sea aboard operating merchant ships. Students visit 18 foreign
nations sailing aboard such vessels as containerships, tankers, general
cargo ships and passenger ships.

In order to attend the Academy, one must be nominated by a U.S. Senator
or Congressman from Hawaii, or if one's parents are in the military,
the president may submit the nomination. The value of the four-year
education totals about $150,000. Senators Inouye and Akaka, and Representatives
Mink and Abercrombie are avid supporters for our young men and women
to attend Kings Point and have seen many of their nominees succeed in
exciting careers both in the military and the private corporate world.

This past June 18, our special congratulations went to the Class of
2001 graduates: Malia Schoch of Kaneohe, Shaun Shiraishi of Mililani,
and Geoffrey Lee of Maui, on their achievement as global citizens. Hopefully
someday they will return home to work in the maritime industry in Hawaii.

Best wishes and imua to midshipmen: Akira White of Hilo, Class of 2002;
Jeffrey Reed and David Chapman, both of Kailua, and Vallerie Busch of
Hilo, Class of 2003; and to Aleta Prose of Mililani and Mike Mons of
Kauai, both in the Class of 2004.

Midshipman Jeffrey Reed put it best, ÒTraining at Kings Point
is a guaranteed way to work back home in a good paying job. I won't
have to leave Hawaii like many others in search of high paying jobs.Ó
The Mayor's Maritime Advisory Committee also initiated the 1st Annual
Maritime Academies Reunion this summer to enable Hawaii students from
all maritime academies, parents, and potential employers to meet and
support the maritime industry in Hawaii.

Our Hawaii midshipmen miss aku poke and plate lunches, surfing and the
beautiful weather that we take for granted here at home. We hope to
see them return to Hawaii as proud Kings Point alumnae, ready and willing
to support the maritime industry in Hawaii.

Honolulu City Councilmember Rene Mansho serves as chair of the Customer
Services Committee and Vice-Chair of the Transportation Committee. She
also is a member of the Marine Transportation System National Advisory
Council for the U.S. Maritime Administration.

Hawaii Ocean Industry provides this space as a forum to express viewpoints
in Hawaii's ocean industry.